New Heart for Heywood - Older and vulnerable people are being urged not to become the next victim of doorstep crime

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Older and vulnerable people are being urged not to become the next victim of doorstep crime >>

It comes following a spate of incidents on 17 November across the Rochdale Borough area where men, claiming to be from the water board and other utility firms have conned their way into victims’ homes.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Stevens for Rochdale Division said: "The offenders know what they are doing and have deliberately preyed on older and vulnerable people. My advice to residents is to refuse entry to anyone asking to check the colour of the water, pressure, or taps. The water board doesn’t exist anymore and the only provider in the North West is United Utilities. If in doubt, please phone United Utilities to check if the caller is genuine, but don’t rely on the contact number given to you by the caller because it may be fake.

"If you are not expecting these callers, treat them with suspicion and do not let them in unless you have checked ID and are absolutely certain that they are genuine callers. Remember, genuine employees will not mind waiting while you contact the company to check their identity."

Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the password scheme offered by utility companies. DCI Stevens added: "I’m also eager to set up more Nominated Neighbour schemes in the area. This involves participants not talking or opening the door to cold callers or allowing them entry to their home, unless a ‘nominated neighbour’ or friend accompanies the caller. Residents will be supplied cards with information on the scheme and contact details for the nominated person that they will be able to hold up to callers through a window."

Contact your local Crime Reduction Advisors on 0161 856 8478 / 8475 for further information on schemes operating in Rochdale to protect vulnerable people in our community. If anyone knows the identity of the offender or has any information, they should call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.



	- Older and vulnerable people are being urged not to become the next victim of doorstep crime >> It comes following a spate of incidents on 17 November across the Rochdale Borough area where men, claiming to be from the water board and other utility firms have conned their way into victims’ homes. Detective Chief Inspector Graham Stevens for Rochdale Division said: "The offenders know what they are doing and have deliberately preyed on older and vulnerable people. My advice to residents is to refuse entry to anyone asking to check the colour of the water, pressure, or taps. The water board doesn’t exist anymore and the only provider in the North West is United Utilities. If in doubt, please phone United Utilities to check if the caller is genuine, but don’t rely on the contact number given to you by the caller because it may be fake. "If you are not expecting these callers, treat them with suspicion and do not let them in unless you have checked ID and are absolutely certain that they are genuine callers. Remember, genuine employees will not mind waiting while you contact the company to check their identity." Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the password scheme offered by utility companies. DCI Stevens added: "I’m also eager to set up more Nominated Neighbour schemes in the area. This involves participants not talking or opening the door to cold callers or allowing them entry to their home, unless a ‘nominated neighbour’ or friend accompanies the caller. Residents will be supplied cards with information on the scheme and contact details for the nominated person that they will be able to hold up to callers through a window." Contact your local Crime Reduction Advisors on 0161 856 8478 / 8475 for further information on schemes operating in Rochdale to protect vulnerable people in our community. If anyone knows the identity of the offender or has any information, they should call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.


New Heart for Heywood - A New Deal for Communities Partnership 1 A: 31 Bridge Street, Heywood, Lancashire, OL10 1JF - T: (01706) 694500 - F: (01706) 694501 - E: office@heartofheywood.org

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